Singer-Songwriter Uses Music to Address Controversial Topics

By Gregory Faul
Hottytoddy.com Intern
gfaul@go.olemiss.edu

Photo via Walker Lukens website.

Oxonians will have a chance to take a well-deserved midweek break and indulge in live music Tuesday night. Austin, Texas-based singer-songwriter Walker Lukens is slated to perform at Proud Larry’s Tuesday, Sept. 25 debuting his recent album, ‘ADULT.’

The performance is free, and doors open at 8 p.m. for the 9 p.m. show. Lukens will be performing alongside Oxford local, Lo Noom.

Walker credits his success with growing up in a home environment where music was celebrated. Not only was his brother in bands, but his mother also went back to school to pursue a career in teaching music.

“I was really lucky to grow up around (music),” Lukens said.

Lukens is currently promoting his newest LP, “ADULT.” The project was released on April 26 and is his third full-length album. The songs tackle controversial topics such as President Donald Trump, the #MeToo movement, and the Charlottesville riots.

He said writing songs about politics can be challenging and hard.

“It’s almost unquestionable not to at least address it,” he said.

Lukens said 20 years ago artists were able to get away without proclaiming their political views publicly; however, that is not the case in today’s world.

“You gotta pick a jam now or otherwise you’re pretty cowardly,” Lukens said.

Many people were not fond of him bringing up such heated topics. 

“I think I’ve gotten a little pushback. It’s mainly from people wishing that I just didn’t bring it up,” Lukens said. “It’s one thing to say ‘I hate what you’re saying.’ It’s another thing to say ‘I wish you didn’t bring it up.'”

Though his songs contain deep lyrics regarding controversial topics, he said he still makes sure they remain upbeat.

“I really wanted the set to be something people can dance to,” he said.

Oxford is a familiar stopping point for Lukens. His first time in the Magnolia State was when he traveled the blues trail along the Delta, which eventually led him to Oxford. 

When Lukens is not standing underneath the stage lights, he finds time to produce other artists’ songs, but he and his friend also have a side project. The two travel around the country in a camper and allow people to anonymously tell personal stories that are then turned into songs. 

Lukens is currently in the process of turning those song-stories into a podcast which is set to be released in November.